If you are seeking the finest Thai eateries that Sydney has on offer, then we think you’re in the right place. Thai food is one of our favourite cuisines, and we’ve tried many of the best Thai establishments in the city.
So, whether it is a deliciously flavoursome stir fry that you’re looking for, a delightfully light green curry, or hot and sour Tom Yum, then we’ve got you covered for quality Thai-hotspots in Sydney.
Sydney is renowned for its amalgamation of cultures, traditions and phenomenal food and it certainly delivers when it comes to the flavour sensation that is Thai cuisine.
Thai food is distinguished by its freshness, lavish spices and exotic fragrances. Your taste buds will get a workout and you may find you break out into a sweat when enjoying its sizzling hot pots, curries and spicy soups. It is a cuisine that delights the senses.
One of the under-appreciated secrets of Thai cuisine is the balance of salty, sweet, sour, bitter and hot. The best dishes are balanced, delicate and do not overpower.
Choose an authentic Thai eatery and you will experience the freshest local produce, seafood and meats, sourced from local markets daily. These quality ingredients will be combined with vibrant, zesty flavours and careful presentation.
The best Thai venues prepare authentic Thai food boldly and imaginatively, whilst carefully acknowledging beauty, flavour and texture. And for those with a taste for heat, fearsome chillies.
Whatever your reason is for seeking the delights of Thai food, you will not be disappointed by the wide range of excellence that Sydney boasts. Read on to discover the 15 best Thai restaurants in Sydney.
Location: The Quay North Tower, 33 Ultimo Rd, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: 0478 565 691
When the ‘Domestic Goddess’ herself – Nigella Lawson – states that Porkfat Thai is a favourite haunt of hers when she’s in Sydney, you sit up and take note.
And honestly, there is plenty to love about this fabulously authentic eatery.
Firstly, the restaurant itself is very under-stated, allowing the food to do the talking. And what utterly delicious food! Chef Jack is from Saraburi in Central Thailand and that’s where he takes his culinary inspiration from. In addition, the menu is constantly evolving, to multiple visits are recommended.
Amongst our current favourites, the Papaya Salad with Salted Duck Egg ($27) is fresh and funky at the same time. Meanwhile, the Grilled Pork Jowl With Smoked Chilli Nahm Jim ($36) is a taste and texture sensation.
But whatever the kitchen is whipping up, we’re sure it’ll be wonderful. Nigella is right. Porkfat is one of the top Thai restaurants in Sydney.
This dynamic Asian eatery features both Thai and Laos food on its menu. And Sydney-siders clearly like it as from one outlet in Parramatta, the restaurant now also has venues in Darling Square and Canley Heights.
With its opulent decor and prime position overlooking the Parramatta River, Holy Basil Parramatta makes quite a statement. Luckily, it’s serves food to match.
From the juicy Satay Chicken Skewers ($15.90) to the succulent Pork Belly in Chilli, Basil & Garlic Sauce ($29.90) everything is fresh and perfectly balanced. And if you like fish, you really should try the Holy Basil Signature Dish. This is a wonderful Fresh Crispy Snapper ($59.90), hidden under a crunchy thatch of Green Mango Salad and doused in Holy Basil Dressing. It’s really very good.
Whichever Holy Basil Thai you visit, we reckon you’ll agree its one of the finest Thai restaurants in Sydney.
Located in the famous Norton Street in Leichhardt, Thainamic Restaurant’s relaxed and casual vibe has made it a local inner-west favourite for over a decade.
Thainamic promotes the freshness of its ingredients, the use of local produce and the authenticity of its traditional Thai recipes. This is unpretentious and honest Thai food at inexpensive prices.
Try the Massaman Beef Curry and the Larb Salmon, as both are delightful. The Duck Red Curry is very flavoursome and the Thainamic Pad Thai gives you that sweet-savoury-sour combo that makes the dish such a classic noodle stir fry.
Whilst there is certainly an Asian fusion spin on some of the dishes here, Chin Chin has enough Thai food to merit it’s inclusion in our look at the top Thai restaurants in Sydney.
This restaurant is a modern and trendy venue that boasts a dark side. In Thai culture, Chin Chin’s mistress is known as the nighttime and the lighting inside reflects this cultural twist.
Their Fried Rice is utterly gorgeous and their White Fish Green Curry with Apple Eggplant is a blend of flavours that can only be attributed to the genius of Thai cuisine. Meanwhile, their DIY Spring Rolls are fun and interactive.
It’s also inexpensive and therefore makes for the perfect location for a date night (if you’re paying!)
This fusion restaurant boasts both brunch and dinner style dishes with food influenced by traditional Northern Thai cuisine. And this means copious amounts of flavour and vegetables.
Their main focus is on authenticity and this is undoubtedly reflected in the high standard of food that is served here. They also boast a vast array of gorgeous cocktails to go alongside every single dish.
Currently, the kitchen is running 2 innovative menus. There are bowls of Congee and Sandwiches during the day and the complex flavours of Isaan cuisine in the evenings. But when we say Sandwiches, we’re not talking your usual Ham & Cheese combo. Oh no. Instead, think ingredients like Chicken, Squid & Holy Basil, all topped with a Crispy Fried Egg.
We predict that if you dine here, you will not be disappointed. Boon Cafe deserves it’s reputation as one of the best Thai restaurants in Sydney.
This is one of the best places for Thai food in the entire country, never mind Sydney. Many of the dishes are award-winning, and for good reason. These flavoursome creations deliver a substantial punch.
Their head chef, Sujet Saenkham lives to present the most intricate, authentic Thai food. What’s more, Chef Sujet is seen to be one of the leading lights of modern Thai cuisine in Australia. We suggest trying the Eggplant Stir Fry to see exactly why this place is so renowned.
Incidentally, if you’re eager to impress your friends with an authentic Thai meal, cooked at home, Spice I Am runs a Cooking School as well.
This restaurant is very different from your average local Thai take away.
Sophisticated and elegant, the decor reflects the ethos of the kitchen, where Thai dishes are re-imagined with a European twist for a modern audience. The result is one flavour sensation after another and a parade of plates that look as innovative as they taste.
Their current degustation menu is $130pp, but it is definitely worth the price. It’s a heady mix of exciting ingredients and we reckon you’ll return time and time again.
Give it a go. We think it’s one of the best Thai restaurants in Sydney.
The big question after dining at Joe’s is: How does he do it?
You see Joe’s Table is very much a one man band with Joe Kistana doing the cooking, serving and everything else pretty much alone. And given the quality of the dishes he puts up, that’s quite a feat.
Amongst the unmissable plates is a fabulous Caramelised Pork Belly with Shallot, Coriander & a Chilli Ginger Sauce ($38.50).
However, whatever you order, at Joe’s Table you’ll have an amazing meal as Joe Kistana runs an eatery that is unbeatable. So sit back, relax and enjoy heartwarming service alongside some of the tastiest food that Sydney has to offer.
This restaurant was founded in 1982 and has ingrained itself into the very fabric of the city’s Thai-food scene. They use traditional methods of preparation and this becomes evident as soon as you take your first mouthful.
Their Som Tum Pu Pla Ra is incredible and their Pad Thai is also guaranteed to transport the weary-eyed traveler straight back to the streets of Thailand. As one of the top Thai restaurants in Sydney, this is not the spot to miss out on.
Wrap your jaws around the mouth watering Special Noodles at DoDee Paidang to see exactly why this is such a popular hotspot for all things Thai. After all, when a Tom Yum Soup is crafted from a traditional 30-year-old recipe, you can expect the flavours to be utterly sensational. No wonder this spot is amongst the finest Thai restaurants in Sydney.
Family tradition drives this business and it boasts a warm and inclusive ambience. You should also try their phenomenal Asian beers to wash down your food.
Location: 106/8 Quay Street, Prince Centre Building Level 1, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9211 5749
If you’re a fan of Southern Thai fare, then add this venue to your must-try list. Caysorn’s ethos centres around creating the best family-style Thai food whilst utilising only the finest authentic ingredients.
There are lots of excellent dishes, but one of our favourites is the Meang Goong ($25.90). A heap of Crispy School Prawns, cooked with Lemongrass, Roasted Coconut, Lime, Chilli and more and a bundle of fresh Betel Leaf to wrap them up in. They might just be the best Beer snack ever!
The food here packs a flavoursome punch and you could become another loyal Caysorn diner overnight. The service is as friendly as the food is exquisite. We’re quite smitten and have returned a few times to satisfy our Thai-cravings.
If you live anywhere near this Newtown institution and have yet to eat there, well, we can’t be friends.
Big, bustling and bursting with life, Thai Pothong also happens to do some of the finest Thai cuisine in the Inner West. In fact, the Thai Restaurant Association has named it Sydney’s Best Thai Restaurant 4 times.
But be warned. Multiple visits are almost compulsory as the menu at Thai Pothong is an extensive as the premises themselves.
We recommend the light, golden Curry Puffs (4pcs $18) and the Chilli packed Tom Yum Prawn Soup ($19) to get you off to a good start. From there, the Panang Duck Curry ($34) is hard to resist, as it the sweet and salty Soft Shell Crab Salad ($34).
Whatever you choose to eat, make sure you also give the Cocktail List some consdieration.
Lastly, this is place is a great option for those with dietary requirements. The Menu has Vegan and Vegetarian dishes as well as a generous Gluten Free selection.
And did we mention that they do Lunch Box Delivery? Seriously, Thai Pothong is quite a venture.
Location: Shop 1-2, 299 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9261 5058 See Website For Further Locations
This buzzing, wholesome restaurant serves delicious dishes that both fill and nourish. What’s more, they are comparatively inexpensive, with their rotating Daily Lunch Specials especially worth checking out.
Whatever you try at Home Thai, it’ll be fresh and flavoursome. A favoured choice is the Mixed Papaya Salad or the delightfully Crispy Pork served with broccoli. And as for the whole Steamed Fish with Mushroom & Ginger – Yum!
Give it a try and you’ll see why this lively eatery makes our list of the top Thai restaurants in Sydney.
Location: 20 Campbell Street Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9211 1808 See Website For Further Locations
This is another restaurant that boasts mouth-watering, yet inexpensive, food. The dishes here are prepared with care, making use of only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.
Their crispy Spring Rolls are delightful and don’t get us started on their Yellow Crab Curry. Rich, aromatic and utterly addictive, it’s a definitive order for anyone who loves Seafood.
Oh. And you should definitely try their Coconut Ice Cream to refresh your palate after enjoying all their incredible spicy dishes. It really hits the spot.
If you like to combine yummy Thai food with a great view then this is the right spot for you. Situated a stones throw from Cronulla Beach it seamlessly blends traditional and modern Asian cuisine.
In fact, this is a very contemporary take on Thai cuisine in every way. From the sleek dining room, to the beautiful presentation of the dishes, Alphabet Street is a cut above your average local Thai take away.
So what should you order? Well, adore the Alphabet Street version of Salt & Pepper Tofu ($24). Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, it goes down very easily with a cold Thai Beer. And if you’re partial to a deep, fragrant Massaman Curry ($42), then you’re in for a treat, Here, it features Lamb Shank, Sweet Potato & Peanut and it’s a belter.
You can find a wide range of Thai dishes on offer here and they also offer a takeaway option. You’ll be in awe of this place!
Location: Shop 7/370-374, Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Ph: (02) 9412 4978 See Website For Further Locations
This restaurant has won a multitude of awards over recent years. It delivers some of the finest Thai food in the city, but is located away from the CBD and trendy inner-east and inner-west suburbs.
Instead, you’ll find Khao Pla, in the unassuming suburb of Chatswood, on the north side of the harbour. Whilst not blessed with Harbour views, Chatswood has a burgeoning reputation for authentic and spicy Thai food.
The dishes that tantalise the tastebuds come from head chef, Pla. It’s no surprise to learn that Pla has worked in some of the top Asian restaurants around Australia.
This is a restaurant where only fresh ingredients make it into their curries. What’s more, all of their pastes are made in-house. The pork ribs are fabulous (and have won awards) and indeed the restaurant won Best Thai in 2016’s Gourmet Traveller Guide.
The food is a mix of traditional Thai favourites, created using innovative, modern techniques (and plenty of spices) to create a unique collection of plates. The dishes are beautifully balanced, the portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable.
All in all, Khao Pla is a worthy inclusion in our top Thai restaurants in Sydney.
Surry Hills’ loss is Barangaroo’s gain with the change of premises for chic, but relaxed Thai eatery, Muum Maam.
Here, seasonal produce is elevated using traditional Thai flavours and a few new tricks.
Open with the Moreton Bay Bug Betel Leaf, doused in lip-puckeringly good Lime, Chilli & Toasted Coconut. For Main, the Whole Fried Snapper is an impressive dish. Accompanied by Sweet & Sour Tamarind Sauce, Chilli & Cashew Nuts, it packs both flavour and texture. If you prefer plant-based dining, there are vegan and vegetarian options, but not a huge selection. That said, the Green Curry of Pumpkin Tofu, Green Bean & Sweet Basil is lush.
Of course, as this is situated in Barangaroo, the setting is almost worth the price of the food alone. Grab a table on the edge of the promenade and people watch whilst you tuck into a bowl of Salt & Pepper Calamari and sip on a Ginger Mojito.
When an establishment takes its name from a Northern Thai Curry Noodle Soup, it’s a good guess that the heart of the menu is fragrant Thai cuisine. And Khao Soi doesn’t disappoint when it comes to rich, aromatic bowls of Thai yumminess.
However, this spot is far from being a one trick pony. Whilst the Thai flavours are totally authentic, the kitchen often likes to weave them into Japanese dishes. Sound weird? Then you obviously haven’t tried their Udon Khao Soi, where lush Udon Noodles are the perfect vehicle for the restaurants signature Curry. Or the Chicken Katsu with Panaeng Sauce, which pairs crunchy, crumbed Chicken with a Peanut and Makrut-forward Sauce. Honestly, we defy you to find a better lunch dish.
Fortunately, Khao Soi doesn’t just do great lunch options. This is an excellent dining option at any time of day. Especially, if you’re a fan of Northern Thai cuisine. The Larb Kua with Minced Pork is packed with Chilli heat and arrives with a bundle of Fresh Herbs.
Incidentally, there is also a Khao Soi Melbourne which is superb as well.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
